Month: January 2018

With the growth of downtown Gilbert’s dining scene the last few years there has been little original concepts that have opened. Later this year The White Rabbit will open adding an original concept to along Gilbert Road as owners Nick Medina and Corey Potts open the first speakeasy in the east valley.

When The White Rabbit opens in the basement of the Heritage Court Building it will serve as a meeting place for those who want to start or finish their evening with a classic handcrafted cocktail, glass of wine, local craft beer or distilled spirit.

In addition to the libations served guests will have a true speakeasy experience as the out-of-the-way location, secret door and password allow you entry to the sophistication and ambiance of a by gone era.

The White Rabbit cocktails

Whether it’s a classic Old Fashioned, Tom Collins or trending cocktails and concoctions, all drinks will be made using the highest quality and freshest ingredients. “Drink Experiences” are available for small groups.

A small bites menu including charcuterie boards and olive bowls will also be served.

Help wanted at The White Rabbit

Owners Medina and Potts are looking to hire a General Manager to operate the The White Rabbit and execute the speakeasy experience the way the owners envision.

Passion and the ability to hire, motivate and train the staff are part of what the owners are looking for.

“Gilbert is the perfect place for this concept because while it has many great dining destinations, we are bringing the first authentic high-end bar concept to the area. When guests enter, they will feel like they are stepping into a true speakeasy experience. Right now, we’re excited to hire the right leadership and staff to take that guest experience to the next level.”

Qualified candidates can send a resume to drink@twr.bar

Check back for updates as the opening later in 2018 gets closer.

The White Rabbit will be at 207 N. Gilbert Rd. #002 Gilbert. 85234. Visit there website.

Start warming up your singing voice as the Blind Dragon Karaoke Lounge opened this week in Scottsdale. Asian inspired bites, cocktails and a themed private karaoke lounge is all you need to become the next American Idol.

The sleek and modern lounge has locations in West Hollywood and Dubai with owners hope to give guests the ultimate Hollywood/Las Vegas experience.

Blind Dragon Karaoke rooms

6 themed rooms come in sizes that can hold groups of 8, 14 or 20 and each have a flat screen TV and audio system.

Scottsdale’s Blind Dragon was designed by Scottsdale designer George Monzure and features artwork throughout its 8,500 square feet with a mural painted along the length of the wall by the lounge’s main bar. The design is similar to the West Hollywood location designed by John Sofio.

Craft beer fans don’t have to wait until the 3rd annual Crushbrew Festival to kick off on Saturday February 17th to taste a collaboration beer to be poured. Crushbrew has partnered with Oh-So Brewery to create 2 beers with the Crushbrew Saison to debut at a sneak peek preview party for the festival on Thursday February 1st at Oh-So’s Arcadia location.

The Crushbrew Festival will bring over 40 brewers, wineries and distillers from around the country to downtown Scottsdale’s Civic Center Plaza along with food trucks and live entertainment for the 5 hour event.

Beer collaborations

The Crushbrew Saison is a crisp and dry beer with flavors of bubblegum, banana and clove for beer enthusiasts to enjoy.

For the Crushbrew Collab Barrel Aged Saison Oh-So partnered with Carlson Creek Vineyards to use their rose wine barrel to age the beer. A hint of rose and oak are noticeable on the palate. The Barrel Aged Saison will be ready for its debut on the 17th.

Crushbrew Festival & Sneak Party tickets

Tickets are available on-line for the Sneak Preview Party for $10 for the 3 hour party to start at 6:30 p.m. and for the festival. General Admission tickets are $45 for entry & 10 drink tickets and $95 for VIP Area Access.

Update: The February 28th groundbreaking has been postponed. Stay tuned for when It will be re-scheduled. The $5 Reggie special & Free coffee w/ purchase of t-shirt will still be honored on the 28th.

The downtown Mesa music scene wouldn’t be the same without the Nile Theater. To keep going strong they’re going to give their vegan restaurant Volstead Public House a new name, Nile Cafe. The new name will begin efforts to re-brand and market the theater in the 21st century.

All photos courtesy of Boyd Harrington

Starting on February 28th renovations will begin on the facade outside the theater with a groundbreaking ceremony with Mesa Mayor John Giles and others in attendance.

“The logo and joining of the café and theater are final seal on the work we have been doing since taking over the space 7 years ago,” said Michelle Donovan of the Mantooth Group. “The rebranded ties all our efforts together into one complete package and gives us room to grow into what The Nile really has always been – a focal point of entertainment and community for Downtown Mesa.”

The Nile Cafe food specials

After the 10:30 a.m. ceremony the new Nile Cafe will offer an all day food and drink special from their all plant-based menu. Guest can enjoy a FREE cup of coffee when you purchase a new Nile t-shirt and the popular Reggie vegan grilled cheese sandwich will be available for only $5.The menu created by Donovan offers vegan diners dishes like The Squawker Texas Ranger ($9.99) with vegan chicken drenched in buffalo sauce, My Boy Blue Sandwich ($9.99) with blueberry BBQ fried chicken, and The Philly ($8.50) with vegan steak sautéed in green and yellow peppers, onions and the café’s special marinade. The café also has daily scones and pastries, coffee, tea and beer.

The Nile music scene

The Nile dates back to 1924 as movie and music venue with multiple music genre’s playing there to fans. 4 bands will return on the 28th to help solidify The Nile Theater as a cornerstone of downtown Mesa. Senses Fail, Reggie , The Full Effect and Have Mercy have played The Nile in the last 20 years and return to the stage to celebrate the day.

“These groups bring back a lot of memories from coming to The Nile when I was in high school and college, and now as the owner,” Donovan said

Arizona’s largest Arizona wine only event grows even larger this year as the Arizona Wine Growers Association’s Grand Wine Festival spills on to 6th Street from the Heritage Square festival. This, the 9th year of showcasing Arizona wines takes place on Saturday & Sunday January 27th and 28th and grows by 15,000 square feet when 6th Street is closed off this year.

Arizona wines poured

Over 30 Arizona wineries will travel to downtown Phoenix from Elgin, Sonoita and the southern part of our state along with wineries up I-17 in Jerome, Page Springs and the Verde Valley. Dos Cabezas, LDV Winery and Burning Tree Cellars are just a few of the wineries pouring their wines at the 2 day festival while.

Winners of the AZ Central Arizona Wine Competition will be announced at the Grand Wine Gala on Friday evening which is already sold out.

In addition to tasting wine at the festival, attendees will have live music to enjoy as well as food trucks and other local vendors to visit with.

“We already have a record number of both wineries in attendance and wines being poured at this year’s festival, but now having the extra space will allow for record-breaking attendance numbers as well,” said Brian Predmore, president of the Arizona Wine Growers Association.

Kurt Dunham owner/winemaker of LDV Winery

Purchase tickets

The festival will start both days at 11 a.m. and run until 7 p.m. on Saturday and until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for 6 tasting samples or $20 for 10 samples can be purchased at their website.

The Roastery of Cave Creek (ROC2) has roasted a lot of coffee for Arizona restaurants, resorts and their customers in there 20 years of business. Celebrating their 20th anniversary in late 2017 owners David & Alison Anderson entered 2018 expanding the roastery by 40% of their estate grown and organic coffee.

As Arizona’s premier coffee roaster that supplies local restaurants Rancho Pinot Grill, Tarbell’s, Richardson’s and Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn with their one of their 20 proprietary blends David reflects on the last 20 years.

Coffee Whisperer David Anderson of Roastery of Cave Creek

“It’s a milestone to be at 20 years and among the leading Arizona coffee producers,” said Anderson. “We’re honored to be working with some of the best chefs and establishments in the ever-expanding Arizona culinary scene, and we have some exciting plans ahead as we continue to grow.”

Expansion plans

The Anderson’s are all in with their well-rounded business that also consults with cafes & restaurants to help with their coffee programs, menu design and more.

In November Roastery of Cave Creek acquired one of only 5 Kirsch & Mauser 25-kilo UG Retro coffer roaster in the country. The German-made roaster will allow them to roast up to 40% more coffee as they expand their footprint around Arizona.

When David and his staff aren’t in Cave Creek roasting there coffee or getting it to their customers their traveling to countries around the world to source their beans with direct relationships with plantation owners.

“I take great pride in the product we’re putting out there,” said Anderson. “My trips to origin over the last 10+ years inspired me to send my entire staff to see first-hand the people, processes and procedures to take coffee from seed to cup. It gives our team a greater level of appreciation for coffee and a real passion for their work.”

“The Box” at the Roastery of Cave Creek

With only Whole Foods selling their beans to the public, ROC2 keeps a steel cabinet outside the roastery stocked with bags of coffee beans where people can stop by “The Box”, pick up a bag and leave money in the slot on the honor system. Staring at you from above the “The Box” is a “Karma” sign if you’re thinking of pulling a fast one.

Locals love it and people travel from all over the valley up to Cave Creek to get their beans and bring out of towners by.

Chocolate is a favorite sweet treat all year round with Valentine’s Day being the biggest chocolate day of the year. This year Scottsdale’s Sphinx Date Company is offering a twist for your sweetheart with chocolate covered dates.

Cerreta Candy Company of Glendale will be dipping dates in dark chocolate, milk chocolate and Arizona grown pecan stuffed dates in each heart shaped box. Each box contains 10 dates which start at $25.95 and vary based on dips and stuffings.

If you prefer your chocolate with out dates Sphinx Date Company offers other selections of locally made chocolate and sweets from Zak’s Chocolate, NutWhats and Tracey Dempsey.

Enjoy your sweets with an Arizona produced wine or beer also available at the shop.

Sphinx Date Company is at 3039 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85251 (480)941-2261. For more information visit their website

Your New Year’s resolution to eat healthy made have hit a speed bump as Chef Wade’s Mac-n-Cheese truck is now roaming the streets of Phoenix serving every bodies favorite side dish turned entrée.

When Chef Wade realized there was no food truck focusing on Mac-n-Cheese he converted his Bistro on Wheels to serve only cheesy noodle goodness. The decision was made easier as mac-n-cheese was his best-selling selling item for years.

“I wanted to take something simple that everybody loves and really turn up on the volume on flavor profiles and interesting ingredient combinations,” says Simpson of his new concept. “At the end of the day, it’s about making our customers happy and feeding them great tasting, good quality food.”

Chef Wade’s Mac-n-Cheese & more

Chef Wade has created some unique options for his truck including Truffle Mushroom Mac-n-Cheese, the spicy Southwest Mac-n-Cheese with green chiles and smoked pork, Lobstah Mac-n-Cheese and Nawlin’s Mac-n-Cheese with Andouille sausage, shrimp and Cajun spices.

Chef Wade has All American options on the menu including a Tomato & Bacon Burger topped with you got it mac-n-cheese, a Grilled Ham & Mac-n-Cheese sandwich on Texas Toast.

Classic Mac-n-Cheese can be customized to every bodies taste with additional toppings that include pesto, hot dog, bacon and more. For the adventurous eater order the Special Mac-n-Cheese and don’t ask for any specific ingredients and Chef Wade will surprise you.